Corporations or LLCs, employers, and, in some states, those businesses that are also getting a Seller's Permit are required to obtain a Federal Tax Id (FEIN) and a Business License. You can use a federal tax id number as your business id number. Otherwise, you will need to use your social security number over the phone or the internet all the time for orders or other business identification reasons. And your don't want your social security out there if you want to protect your identity.
Legal Business Licensing Requirements Applying To Any State & Any Business
APPLIES TO ALL 50 STATES:
Even if you are a home or online business, all off the following applies to you.
All Businesses Need a Business License & a Trade Business Name (Trade Business Name required if using a trade name).
Retailers / Wholesalers, Need a Reseller Tax ID, & a Business License.
Employers Need a Federal Tax Id Number (EIN), a State Tax Id ( State EIN), & a Business License.
Corporations, & LLC Need a Federal Tax Id Number (EIN)& a Business License.
Partnerships Need a Federal Tax Id Number (EIN) & a Trade Business Name, but also need a Business License.
Sole Proprietors May Use a Federal Tax Id Number as a Business Tax ID but also need a Business License.
Instead of filing a Trade Business Name, You Can Incorporate or form an LLC & You Will Not Need To File A DBA